We just finished installing four 100 watt solar panels, controller, gauge and fuse box on our motorhome. I did detailed step by step photos on my blog in two posts:
Also, if you go to the links on the right side of my blog, there are other modifcations we have done, many go back to Nov 09 for an alphabetical list.
here are our top five:
1. remove, rebuild the rotor and reinstall our generator
2. coat the roof with elastomeric paint
3. replace a rotting bathroom floor
4. installing a Wave 8 Olympian Catalytic heater
5. putting a spare tire rack on the front of the motorhome (not finished yet)
RonaldNC said
06:13 PM Apr 12, 2010
Wow! What a nice installation!
I'm in a similar situation... having a solar panel, but wanting to upgrade. I have a couple of questions that maybe you could answer?
First, how can you tell the size of the current panel? I bought my MH used and don't know the current size.
Second, how did you know what size of controller to purchase? Did you buy them as a set or did the manufacturer assist with the sizing?
Thanks!
Ron
KarenInTheWoods said
06:24 AM Apr 13, 2010
Good questions Ron!
We knew our original panel size wattage because we had the original book from it (it was factory installed) from Safari when the coach was built ..but also on the back of most solar panels is a label that states the size.
It is important that you do not mix sizes, as any larger panels connected will be drawn down to the lowest panel amp size. (just like when adding batteries) So no sense adding 100 watt panels to an existing 65 or 75 watt panel.
As for the solar controller, we got one larger than needed for our array, in case we wanted to add more panels. The one we chose will do up to 50 amps, and our four panels add up to about 26 amps (6.3 amps per panel)
This controller also had other features we wanted such as:
-MPPT (power tracking for more controlled use of power)
-multi 3 stage charging,
-ability to equalize the batteries
-and a temp sensor that shuts down the whole shebang if the batteries get too hot.
Hope that helped?
bjoyce said
07:40 AM Apr 13, 2010
KarenInTheWoods wrote:It is important that you do not mix sizes, as any larger panels connected will be drawn down to the lowest panel amp size. (just like when adding batteries) So no sense adding 100 watt panels to an existing 65 or 75 watt panel.
You can mix wattage of panels! People do it all the time, what you can't do is mix panels with much difference in voltage. The rule of thumb is to get panels within 1/2 volt open circuit voltage of each other, which is on the label. There are working solar systems out there using a mix of 50 to 200 watt panels.
KarenInTheWoods said
07:55 AM Apr 13, 2010
Oh I didn't know that Bill. Everything we read and researched said to not mix the sizes. Guess we learn something new every day. Thanks!
GENECOP said
05:33 PM Apr 13, 2010
THANKS FOR THIS GREAT POST, took some of the mystery out of solar, G
Gary said
09:29 AM Apr 14, 2010
Nice! Good ideas there for future reference.
Old Snipe said
05:46 PM Apr 22, 2010
Karen,
You married well. Can I rent Steveio for a solar install on my MH?
Incredible job done by a real craftsman.
Best Regards!
KarenInTheWoods said
06:43 PM Apr 22, 2010
Old Snipe wrote:
Karen,
You married well. Can I rent Steveio for a solar install on my MH?
Incredible job done by a real craftsman.
Best Regards!
heh heh.. about a hunnerd bucks n hour do ya fine?
Plus it takes two of us, I am his gopher! LOL LOL
ps. Stevio is a maintenance mechanic in the facilities management of a college campus and is always building, constructing, remodeling and hooking up and unhooking interesting things at work every day. So this was like *just another day* to him... what a guy!
Happytrails said
08:28 PM Apr 22, 2010
Looks nice....great job!
sonicsix said
08:37 AM Apr 24, 2010
Great job. Very similar to our installation. Don't you just love that feeling when you flip the switch and it works the first time? :)
KarenInTheWoods said
09:03 AM Apr 24, 2010
Yup.. we checked out your link too!
Having the solar all ready to go once we full time is a real blessing. We were planning on doing it in the next two years, so my Mr Buzy Buzy just got his butt in gear early and did a Git Er Dun job!
jhonebhrestom said
01:25 AM Apr 30, 2010
I believe they are on the verge of opening a new extension on one of their production facilities which will double their production capacity. I think I read that they may also be manufacturing in the US sometime in the future, after knocking back previous offers to manufacture in China.
heyduke said
04:37 AM Apr 30, 2010
i too plan to install solar in an array about the size you have installed... i may shoot you a question or two at a later date since i still have to buy a rig first :)
KarenInTheWoods said
05:11 AM Apr 30, 2010
Oh Sure Heyduke! Actually you can shoot them to Steveio and I can type his replies (he misspells a lot) Am watching your blog as you progress to RV ownership....
(this post made by a solar powered computer!)
-- Edited by KarenInTheWoods on Friday 30th of April 2010 05:16:37 AM
danielhenry31 said
01:44 AM Jun 29, 2010
Looks pretty good!I m also planning to do such a solar installation at home in near future and so I was in search of this detailed information.
Second, how did you know what size of controller to purchase? Did you buy them as a set or did the manufacturer assist with the sizing?
Thanks!
Ron
You can mix wattage of panels! People do it all the time, what you can't do is mix panels with much difference in voltage. The rule of thumb is to get panels within 1/2 volt open circuit voltage of each other, which is on the label. There are working solar systems out there using a mix of 50 to 200 watt panels.
You married well. Can I rent Steveio for a solar install on my MH?
Incredible job done by a real craftsman.
Best Regards!
heh heh.. about a hunnerd bucks n hour do ya fine?
Plus it takes two of us, I am his gopher! LOL LOL
ps. Stevio is a maintenance mechanic in the facilities management of a college campus and is always building, constructing, remodeling and hooking up and unhooking interesting things at work every day. So this was like *just another day* to him... what a guy!
I believe they are on the verge of opening a new extension on one of their production facilities which will double their production capacity. I think I read that they may also be manufacturing in the US sometime in the future, after knocking back previous offers to manufacture in China.
-- Edited by KarenInTheWoods on Friday 30th of April 2010 05:16:37 AM